PITTSBURGH — Kris Letang is making progress in his return from a knee injury that's kept him out of the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup this season, and the team can't be all that worried if he takes his time.

Letang was set to miss Pittsburgh's sixth game of the season on Tuesday night; earlier in the day, he essentially practiced twice, including with his teammates during their morning skate.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta (AP Photo)

"He's still progressing, and he had 30 minutes yesterday and again today," coach Dan Bylsma said. "I think a full practice is the next progression for where he's going."

The Penguins have three full practices scheduled between Tuesday and their Oct. 21 game against the Colorado Avalanche. That's their ninth game of the season—otherwise known as D-day for rookie defenseman Olli Maatta.

Pittsburgh can't play Maatta in 10 games without burning a year of his entry-level deal. Because he's 19, the only options are sending him back to his OHL team before that, or carrying him on the NHL roster for the entire season. With Letang out of the picture, Maatta's minutes are guaranteed. If Letang were to return, Maatta would likely stay in the lineup—but there'd be less playing time available, and thus a potentially smaller sample size come Game 10.

Of course, none of that matters if the Penguins have already seen enough—and given how good Maatta has been, that's certainly a possibility.